The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Opportunity." Contents include: (1) Students Deserve to Read Diverse Books --…

While the overall national portrait of the impact of the virus on the economy and job situation is becoming increasingly clear, much less is known for different populations within the country. Job loss and recovery have been much more challenging for certain racial/ethnic, gender, and nativity groups. Policymakers and community leaders need…

When Black and Latino students are given advanced opportunities, they thrive alongside their peers. However, only a fraction of eligible students is enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses, which means that most Black and Latino students are being denied vital learning opportunities that can set them up for…

The Education-to-Workforce Indicator Framework (E-W Framework), commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and developed in partnership with leading experts representing more than 15 national and community organizations, is designed to encourage greater cross-sector collaboration and alignment across local, state, and national data…

This White Paper provides a selection of some general principles of assessment or overarching ideas that may guide educators in selecting, developing, and implementing assessments of students' learning at all instructional levels or educational settings in which they are used. These principles represent a framework for understanding the nature of…

Engaging classes in every subject. Enriching encounters with the arts. Fun physical activities and healthy nutrition. Guided explorations of possible careers. Every young person deserves all of these experiences. At the moment, unfortunately, not all of the nation's children and youth do. This guide is intended to accompany the video…

On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the economic stimulus plan. Congress and the Obama Administration acted in the wake of an economic crisis spurred by a deepening recession. Among its aims in passing the ARRA, Congress moved to help states and local jurisdictions reduce…

Each edition of the IDRA Newsletter strives to provide many different perspectives on the issues in education topics discussed and to define its significance in the state and national dialogue. This issue focuses on Student Engagement and includes: (1) Teaching for Cognitive Engagement Materializing the Promise of Sheltered Instruction (Adela…

This paper presents a picture of risk and challenge for youth in distressed communities and outlines how these communities can band together to create a continuum of supportive activities to bolster youth's success in school and life. As youth grow and develop, individualized support and exposure to new experiences has a significant impact on…

This newsletter theme issue outlines the intentions, concepts, and structures of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to employment. The article simplifies the provisions of Title I into the following statement: "If, despite my disability and despite some cost to be borne by my employer, I can perform the basic functions of…

This directory lists and describes programs for minority group members in the areas of career information, employment skills development, and financial aid for higher education. It is divided into three sections. Section 1 covers general employment and educational assistance programs, including national, regional, and area scholarship programs,…

This handbook's aim is to provide information and assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to people with disabilities, businesses, and the affected public. The handbook contains annotated regulations for titles I, II, and III; resources for obtaining additional assistance; and several appendixes of supplementary information.…

This manual and resource directory aims to help employers, other entities, and persons with disabilities learn about their obligations and rights under the employment provisions of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The manual provides guidance on the application of legal requirements established in the statute and in…

This book, which provides practical information and references for the prospective art therapist, is organized into eight chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the field of art therapy by presenting references to literature that provide historical overviews; descriptions of various approaches; and official definitions of art therapy. Chapter 2 focuses on…

Because teleworking presents major new challenges to human resource managers, trade unions, and others involved in the development of good employment practices, this book provides practical guidelines for good practice in regard to teleworkers that recognize that teleworking is not a single category, but covers at least five distinct groups with…